BATTERYFORPC BLOG
Coronavirus: Minecraft offers free lessons to children
Minecraft is making its educational worlds available free, to help pupils no longer able to attend school because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 12 digital lessons will be available to download until the end of June. They include tours of the International Space Station and the inside of a human eye, which "can be played on your own, or with parents or friends". The worlds offer cre ... Read more
2020-03-24 20:16:06
Coronavirus: Dyson develops ventilators for NHS
Dyson has announced it will develop a new type of medical ventilator for the NHS, to help with coronavirus. The firm, headed by British inventor Sir James Dyson, said it had responded to the government's request for help. Meanwhile, a consortium of more than a dozen companies aims to build ventilators based on two existing designs. Some industry insiders have suggested that Dyson's approach to ... Read more
2020-03-24 20:15:42
Coronavirus: Mobile networks send 'stay at home' text
For the first time, all the UK's mobile networks are sending out a government message to their customers with details of the new shutdown measures. The text reads: GOV.UK CORONAVIRUS ALERT. New rules in force now: you must stay at home. More info and exemptions at gov.uk/coronavirus Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives. Some customers have already received the message, while others are set ... Read more
2020-03-24 20:15:00
UK coronavirus app 'must respect privacy rights'
UK health chiefs are being urged to safeguard people's privacy as they develop an app to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic. An open letter published by a group of "responsible technologists" warns that if corners are cut, the public's trust in the NHS will be undermined. And it urges those in charge to be more open about their data-collection plans. The BBC asked both NHSX - the he ... Read more
2020-03-23 20:13:56
Firefly's school apps struggle with 'unprecedented demand'
A leading provider of remote-learning tech to schools says it has struggled with record demand, causing its service to run slowly and suffer periods of being offline. Firefly Learning said its service in Europe had been worst affected, but that steps were being taken to mitigate the problem. The London-based firm is used by about 500 schools in the UK. Schools closed their gates to most pupils ... Read more
2020-03-23 20:13:34
Coronavirus: Private clinic defends charging £375 for test
A private healthcare clinic in London has defended its decision to charge £375 ($434) for a coronavirus test. The Private Harley Street Clinic said the price reflected "the costs of these logistic and clinical services that we provide" and added that it was offering free tests for NHS staff. It followed newspaper reports that the clinic had sold several thousand at full price. Accordi ... Read more
2020-03-23 20:13:12
Coronavirus: Frozen birthday party saved by Zoom video chat app
When coronavirus caused one pre-schooler's family to isolate, it looked like his birthday party would have to be cancelled.
But a London-based drama group found a way to save the day by offering a video chat-based celebration for Harry and dozens of friends via the app Zoom.
2020-03-23 20:12:42
Coronavirus: Smartphone sales collapse amid pandemic
Sales of new phones have collapsed in the biggest fall since the invention of the smartphone. Research firm Strategy Analytics said shipments in February fell by 38% year-on-year. The outbreak of the coronavirus in China had a huge impact, report author Linda Sui said. "Some Asian factories were unable to manufacture smartphones, while many consumers were unable or unwilling to visit retai ... Read more
2020-03-22 20:40:57
Step-by-step guide: How to video call your family
If you are self-isolating at home, video-chatting can help you stay in touch with your friends and family. This guide will show you how to make a video call using a smartphone, or receive one using your desktop computer - or help you explain how to do so to others. How to video call with an Android phone If your phone is made by OnePlus, Google, Honor, Huawei, LG, Samsung or Sony, it is an An ... Read more
2020-03-22 20:40:34
Coronavirus: Frozen birthday party held on Zoom video chat app
When coronavirus caused one pre-schooler's family to isolate, it looked like his birthday party would have to be cancelled.
But a London-based drama group found a way to save the day by offering a video chat-based celebration for Harry and dozens of friends via the app Zoom.
2020-03-22 20:40:07